FAREWELL FUNCTION

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 53, Issue 204, 10 June 1933, Page 3

FAREWELL FUNCTION

THE REV. G. D. VERCO.

WELFARE WORK PRAISED, “ i can assure you that the services of Mr Verco, as a member oi' the Children’s Welfare Court- in Ashburton, have been greatly valued and much appreciated by those immedfately concerned.” The foregoing is the text of a letter of appreciation forwarded to the secretary of the Board of Officers of the Church, of Christ by Mr Robert Clark, senior Justice of the Peace at Ashburton, and lead at the farewell social to the Rev. G. D.,Verco ,and his wife and family, held at the Social Hall, Wills Street, last evening. There was a large attendance of members and friends, and the function was presided over by the Rev. J. Crawford, of St. Albans Church of Christ. On the platform, in addition to the guests of the evening, were the Rev. -Stuart Stevens (Moorhouse Avenue), the Rev. J. A. Tyrrell-Baxter (Moorhouse Avenue and Beckenham), the Rev. W. E. Vickery (successor to Mr Verco), and Mr J. T. Pratley (secretary to the Mid-Canterbury No-License Council). After prayer and the singing of “O God Our Help in Ages Past,” Mr A. J. Tyrrell-Baxter, senior member of the congregation., congratulated Mr Verco on his six years’ work in Ashburton, praised the work of Mrs Verco, and wished the departing evangelist a rich, harvest in his new domicile at Dominion Road, Auckland. The speaker, after recounting the joys and tribulations of the early -life of the Church of Christ in Ashburton, extended a cordial welcome to Mr and Mrs W. E. Vickery.

Mr J. T. Pratley, secretary of the Ashburton No-License Council and president of the Mid-Canterbury area, spoke of the splendid work done by Mr Verco in the Mid-Canterbury district. Many long journeys had been undertaken under all weather conditions, and Mr Verco had concentrated much thought on liis many temperance addresses. Mr Pratley felt sure Mr Verco would continue his temperance work in the Auckland Province. Concluding, Air Pratley said the good wishes of the Alliance were expressed to the departing minister Air V. Lovett spoke of the good work of Air Verco -among the youth of the church. His help and advice had 'been much appreciated and had left indelible marks on the lives ol the youngei members. On, behalf of the young members lie extended a warm welcome to Mr and Airs Vickery to the charge. Air E. Williams said the members of the Bible Class had had pleasant, times with Air and Airs Verco, and he expressed the regret of the class at the departure of the evangelist. He welcomed Mi' Vickery and assured him of the co-operation of the Bible Class. The Rev. Stuart Stevens, of Aloorhouse Avenue Church, Christchiiich, said lie was pleased Air and Mrs Verco had been associated in the chinch work at Ashburton. Air Stevens said be had been pleased to renew friendship with Air Verco, which had blossomed in. Australia. Air Stevens spoke of the good work of Air Verco as, chairman of the District Conference of Canterbury, as‘a preacher, and as a fellow worker in extending the work in Canterbury. He wished the departing evangelist success in liis new sphere of labour. Mr Stuart extended a hearty welcome to Air Vickery, and was confident the incoming minister would prosper in his- work in Ashburton.

The Rev. J. A. Tyrrell-Baxter expressed tlie goodwill extended to Mr and Mrs Verco by the board of officers and congregation of the Moorhou.se Avenue Church. Mr Tyrrell-Baxter said the work of the ministry was glorious but much harder .than most people realised. He felt sure Mr \eico s six year’s labour in Ash burton had been blessed, and the parting from those brought into the Kingdom during those years would be hard. The good wishes of Moorhouse Avenue would follow Mr Verco to'his new sphere of labour, which they hoped would he richly blessed, and Mr Tyrrell-Baxter extended to Mr Vickery the, warm welcome ol .the Moorhouse Church and a hope foi a glorious ministry in Ashburton. Mrs Buchler, on behalf of the Christian Women’s Association and lady members of the congregation presented Mrs Verco with a lady’s leather handbag, and spoke of the many good works of the recipient. She wished her every happiness in Auckland. The chairman expressed to Air Verco the love of the Christian coworkers in St. Albans, and the thanks for hospitality extended to them on visits to Ashburton. He was sure Mr Verco would be soon at home m Ins work at Dominion ltoad and would continue the straight furrow he had ploughed in Ashburton. Mr Craw fold stressed the works of sacrifice by Alts Verco in so many social avenues. In concluding, lie asked Mrs Verco to accept on behalf of the chinch anc friends in Ashburton a wallet of notes and with it the love and best wishes ol the officers and congregation. Mr Verco was greeted with applause on' rising to reply. He was pleased that Mrs Verco had been coupled in so many tributes. She thoroughly deserved the ecomiums, but lie was not so sure regarding lnmselt. He had not expected all to see eye to eye with all his views, but lie had been generously met by liis brethren in the work. He thanked Mr Robert Clark lor Ins expressions regarding work done m the Child Welfare Court- that alone was worth his while in Ashburton, He had had many pleasant hours ol woik 101 the No-License Council, especially those associated with Mr Pratley. He would sing praises of Ashburton. in the northern city. He thanked all foi thei gift, which would provide a,permanent reminder of his six years in Ashburton. (Applause). , x 1 The Rev. W- E. Vickery was then introduced to those present, He said that on arrival in Ashburton he knew one resident—Mr Verco. Alter meeting the large gathering that evening, he felt he knew a multitude,’and hoped idi iii need of help or advice m tamo of trouble would not leave lnm out or their callers’ list. He thanked all for the words of welcome to Mrs V ickery and himself. . During the evening _ the tallowing contributed to the musical programme: Vocal solos, Misses N. Healey, Nancy Bishop, Jessie Hookings, Gladys Ver-

co, Mrs G. Holmes; Messrs J. C. Thompson, K. Norrish ; clarinet solo, Mr R, Watts; pianoforte duet, Miss Jeff and Mr E. Williams; vocal duet, Miss Verco and Mr E. Williams.